War veterans will discard medals to protest against UK bombing of Syria

In protest at yet another attack on a middle eastern country, veterans of the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya will discard their medals at Downing Street on Tuesday 8 December.

One of the veterans, Daniel Lenham who served in the RAF from 2002 to 2014 said “In protest at the decision to bomb Syria, we will hand back medals given to us for participating in previous attacks on the Middle East.”

He continued “These invasions, occupations and attacks have caused great destruction, killed hundreds of thousands of people and have led to the destruction of societies. Bombing is never a solution it is time to stop.”

David Smith who served in the Royal Green Jackets said “I want to express my utter disgust at the decision to unlawfully bomb Syria, god help all those who are likely to suffer as a result of this action. I renounce all forms of state sanctioned Warfare and Violence.”

Kirk Sollitt who served in the Gulf War said “By bombing in Syria we are killing innocent, vulnerable sentient beings, men, woman and children. You cannot sow bloodshed and reap peace. I no longer want these medals.”

Discarding their medals in Downing Street will be:

Daniel Lenham – served in the RAF from 2002 to 2014. He deployed on operations against Iraq and Libya.

Kirk Sollitt – served in the Royal Engineers from 1987 to 1991 and the Cheshire Regiment from 1997 to 2000. He deployed to the Gulf War and N Ireland.

Phil Mace – served in the Royal Engineers from 2006 to 2012. He deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Dave Smith – served in the Royal Green jackets from 1975 to 1981. He deployed to Northern Ireland.

Supporters are welcome to join Veterans for Peace in Trafalgar Square on 8 December.

Veterans For Peace is a voluntary ex-services organisation of men and women who have served in every war that Britain has fought since WW2. It exists to convince people that war is not the answer to the problems of the 21st century. More details: Veterans for Peace.org.uk